ROTARY HAS HEART 2015

67,000 Rotarians are being asked to help their communities around Valentine’s Day 2015

The 2015 Rotary Has Heart program is a Community Service Program which is a continuation from last year’s program that PRID Anne L. Matthews initiated. We want all of our 1500 plus clubs in the 29 districts in Zones 33 and 34 to do a community service project in the 1st quarter of 2015 and let the community be aware of what Rotary is doing. We can help those in need and improve Rotary’s image in each of our communities at the same time. The Rotary Foundation Trustees and RI Board consider this awareness a critical element in our membership strategy which is key to Rotary’s future. This is especially important in North America. Therefore, publicity is a key requirement for Rotary Has Heart.

Each club may decide for itself how it wants to participate. It could be something as simple as donating money to an established program or something as complex as organizing a full-fledged club service project all following the six areas of focus. While this is first and foremost a Community Service Project, it is also a chance for us to show thousands of communities throughout our zones what Rotarians can do when we LIGHT UP ROTARY.

We are not doing this to brag, but to help the public better understand what Rotary is and what Rotarians do to make their communities better. It is our hope that clubs will use this effort to develop their membership and to promote giving to our Rotary Foundation.

Director Robert Hall believes that with this single focus we will not only LIGHT UP ROTARY but will also capture the attention of so many people who are willing to support our causes and want to become one of us. We expect some of our clubs will join together to organize a community wide effort, while others will participate in a less demanding although just as important way. Whatever way your club chooses to participate, we hope you will bear the Rotary banner proudly and tell your story boldly. After all, Rotary has heart and there is no better way to show this collectively than during this first quarter that holds Valentine’s Day. If you need help please contact PDG

You can find more information on the web site www.rizones33-34.org under events. Here you will find a sample proclamation, sample press release, and new logos for your events.

Director Hall announced in Asheville a recognition program in which all clubs and districts can participate. Zone 34 RPIC Betsy Owen will coordinate the program working with and through PDG Charles Allen in Zone 33 and PDG Gary Smith in Zone 34. Each Governor will select what he or she considers to be the best club community service project with related publicity in his or her district. The club president will receive a painting by George Lewis “The Waterman”, “http://georgelewis.fineartstudioonline.com, along with 1,000 Paul; Harris Recognition points. The club president can use the painting and/or 1,000 recognition points to honor a Rotarian or non-Rotarian who has made a significant contribution to their community, use for fundraising or whatever they wish. The paintings from which the winning clubs may choose are below: